Can I donate organs to a friend or loved one awaiting a transplant?
National organ allocation guidelines allow families of donors to designate recipients, usually family members or friends. Directed or designated donation, as it is commonly called, is an option. However, successful designated donations are so rare that the United Network for Organ Sharing, the organization that oversees transplants in the United States, does not track them. Living donation is also an option. If you are interested in donating an organ to a friend or loved one awaiting a transplant, please visit an area transplant center for evaluation. Usually blood type and weight of both the donor and potential recipient play an important role in determining if the organ will be a match for both directed and living donation.
